Peter Beardsley knows value of Merseyside derby victory having played for Liverpool and Everton

28 November 2009 06:59

PETER BEARDSLEY is a rarity in Merseyside derby history.

As one of just two players alongside David Johnson to score the winner for Liverpool and Everton against the other, he is also one of a very select few still to be held in high esteem by both sets of fans.

If Beardsley was to be presented on the pitch at half-time on Sunday he would probably get a warm reception from all four corners of Goodison Park.

'I'm not sure about that,' he says. 'I appreciate the thought but it would more likely be a minute's silence!'

His four years with Liverpool compared to just two at Everton means he will be leaning toward a Red victory tomorrow.

'Simply because I won trophies with Liverpool,' he explains.

'But that's not to take anything from Everton. Howard Kendall was one of the best managers I ever worked with.

'Although by the time I arrived Everton weren't the team that they'd been under Howard in the mid-80s, he and Colin Harvey were absolutely sensational. Their knowledge of the game was second to none. When I left Liverpool people said it would be all downhill but Everton proved otherwise. The club and the fans were absolutely top class with me.'

They say form goes out the window in the derby. Fans of both a Red and Blue persuasion will be hoping that's the case on Sunday.

Liverpool's record of two wins from 11 games is marginally better than Everton's one win in 10, while both teams have accrued just five league points each from the last possible 18.

Beardsley agrees there is more than just local bragging rights at stake this weekend.

'Both teams have struggled to find any form or consistency this season, but I still believe there are a good few teams that would swap places with Everton in the table right now.

'They've become much stronger under David Moyes.

'I also fully expect Liverpool to be in the top four come the end of the season. Alberto Aquilani is a top player. He showed flashes of what he is capable of in the Carling Cup against Arsenal. Once he's match fit I think he will make a difference.

'Then there's Fernando Torres. He can win games on his own and could be key to Liverpool's chances on Sunday if he's available.'